Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #181: Happy New Year's Eve from Mike and Patty! Up at 6:00 A.M. two loads of laundry started. Coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats for breakfast. Beer dip made for New Year's Eve party for this evening here at the marina with the liveaboard community. Mike and I did some paperwork in the A.M. At 11:45 A.M. Jan and David from "Optimystique" arrived at Aquamarina Palm Harbour via vehicle. Jan and David just received their gold looper flag before Christmas crossing their wake in Bradenton, FL. They will be bringing "Optimystique" to Aquamarina Palm Harbour for three months. Jan and David were able to see their slip that they will be going to tomorrow afternoon. Jan, David, Mike and I went to Bradenton. We dropping off Jan and David while Mike and I drove the Jan and David's truck back to Aquamarina so that they would have a vehicle when they arrived by boat. At 2:55 P.M. Mike and I arrived back at the marina with "Tommy Tundra" (that is what Jan and David call their truck) safely. We headed to the pool as it was sunny and 83 degrees. Kyle and Ed were already at the pool so the four of us visited. At 4:30 P.M. it was time to get ready for the party at 7:00 A.M. so showers were taken and cooler was packed. We will see just how long Mike and I can stay up tonight. Bruce, Bev, Mike and I made it to midnight. We all had a great time at the party great food, lots of laughs and great time with friends.

Saw this little blue heron sitting in the pool this morning on one of the trips to the laundry room.

Enjoying the pool.

Jan and David's "Tommy Tundra".

New Year's Eve Party at Aquamarina: Kyle, Bruce, Bev, Patty, Mike and Ed.

Mike and I at midnight New Year's Eve. We made it!

Bruce and Bev at midnight New Year's Eve. 

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #180: Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, sweet treats and grapefruit. Very foggy morning here in Florida with visibility of 1/4 mile. At 8:30 A.M. Nelson, Robin, Mike and I headed to Stump Pass State Park for shelling and shark teeth hunting. We were able to see one dolphin up near the shore surfing for fish. At 11:00 A.M. Mike and I headed back to the marina while Nelson and Robin headed back to their hotel. At 12:30 P.M. Robin and Nelson joined Mike and I at the pool at Aquamarina Palm Harbour. The pool water was like bath water which was great. All four enjoyed finger foods poolside. Bev from "Bay Tripper" joined us for the afternoon. At 4:20 P.M. pizza was ordered from Lil Tony Pizzeria which was delivered to the marina. Nelson, Robin, Mike and I enjoyed dinner under the cabana. At 5:30 P.M. all four headed to "Parrot Bay" to avoid the no-see-ums. At 6:30 P.M. Nelson and Robin headed out to their hotel to get some sleep before leaving in the morning for their drive back to Michigan. At 7:15 P.M. it was time for Sunday night phone calls with family and blogging.

Nelson looking for shells and shark teeth.

Robin enjoying her time on the beach.

Now don't these look like fun??? These were up on the beach at Stump Pass. Check out that motor on the back.

Ooops! Santa had a bit to much fun.

Another beautiful sunset over Palm Island.

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #179: Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats (Christmas sweet treats are all gone). Mike and I walked 3.5 miles. We took a trip to Publix for a few items and boat jobs completed. At noon it was time for Chick-Fil-A-Peach Bowl, Michigan versus Florida. Robin sent a text at 1:30 P.M. that they had arrived in Englewood they headed to meet Mike and I at the marina. After happy hour out by the marina pool Nelson, Robin, Mike and I headed to Manasota Key to the White Elephant for an early dinner. After a great dinner all walked over to Englewood Beach for a quick look see. We found a few shark tooth specimens.  At 5:15 P.M. all four headed back to the "Parrot Bay" for a night cap. At 8:00 P.M. Nelson and Robin headed back to their hotel room in Englewood. We watched college football bowl games. Michigan lost 41-15. Clemson beat Notre Dame 30-3. We will see how Oklahoma fairs against Alabama.

Well Patty needs some work on her selfies. Nelson, Robin, Mike and Patty.

Englewood Beach going to be a beautiful sunset.

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #178: From last night Mike and I started watching "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies". Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats. We got ready heading to Englewood Beach. We walked from Englewood Beach to Stump Pass State Park. We saw Cownose rays and dolphins. I talked to Robin her friend from back home discussing plans for Robin and Nelson (Robin's husband) to come to Englewood on Saturday and Sunday for a visit. At 12:10 P.M. we headed to the pool. They were joined for a bit at the pool by Ed and Kyle. Beautiful day 82 degrees, sunny and breeze. At 3:30 P.M. Mike talked to the service department here at Aquamarina to get dates of when they are going to haul out "Parrot Bay" to do bottom paint. Mike was told that they would be pulling the boat out of the water on Monday, January 21 possibly out of the water until Friday, January 25. Patty booked a condo at Palm Island (the condos sit between the two basins of the marina) starting on Sunday, January 20th through Friday, January 25th. Time for blogging and college football bowl game at 5:15 P.M. followed by a quiet night at the marina.

Saw this cleaning crew washing this boat.  Check out the guy on the floating box.

Snowy egret with yellow tennis shoes.

Cownose rays near the shore today.

Clearer picture of what cownose rays look like. 

Multiple dolphins at Stump Pass State Park.

Royal turn. Looks like it has a receding hair line. 

Mike and Patty at the pool.

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #177: Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats (thanks to Mom Boynton for the oatmeal/butterscotch cookies-great with coffee). Mike and I did some boat jobs and paperwork in the early A.M. At 8:40 A.M. we headed to the Englewood Farmer's Market in old downtown Englewood first stopping at The Shell Shop. The farmer's market was a combination of fruits/vegetables, meats and arts/crafts. Mike bought a couple of shark teeth and grapefruit. At 12:30 P.M. we headed to the pool for reading hour. There were more clouds and winds than had been predicted so reading poolside was great. At 2:30 P.M. the clouds cleared the sun came out and it became very warm which made the pool feel very good. At 3:15 P.M. we were joined by Bruce/Bev, Scott/Linda and Ed/Kyle. We had gotten together as Scott and Linda are leaving Aquamarina in the morning heading to The Keys (they will be returning in February but it was a great time to get together to say goodbye-figuring that we will get together in February welcoming them back when they return to Aquamarina). We had docktails and hors d'oeuvers under the cabana by the pool. At 6:00 P.M. the no-see-ums were coming out so the party broke up. It was time for blogging, reading and college football bowl games.

Awesome farmer's market in old downtown Englewood. 

Fun time at the farmer's market. 

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #176: Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats. Mike and I received a package from our mailbox service which contained numerous Christmas cards and Christmas gifts from Mike's parents (thanks to Mom Boynton for the sweet treats-they will be tasty with morning coffee). Mike did a few boat jobs and talked to his Mom and Dad. Mike and I walked 3.44 miles for exercise in the morning.  After lunch we did a few errands. At 2:30 P.M. we both headed to the pool as it was 82 degrees, sunny and breezy. The two of us were joined by Kyle and Ed just in time for happy hour, and a bit later Bruce and Bev joined the party. At 7:30 P.M. time for reading, blogging and quiet time onboard the "Parrot Bay".

Mike and Patty saw this stick bug on the sidewalk when they were walking 

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #175: MERRY CHRISTMAS. From last evening Mike and I finished watching "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" followed by the extra highlights it was 11:00 P.M. before they went to bed (if you know us we never stay up that late). Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats. Christmas presents were opened. Clear, sunny and cool morning that was great for a 3.83 mile walk. Upon returning to the boat Mike did a small boat jobs while I worked on getting items ready for the beach. Mike launched the dinghy both of us headed off to Don Pedro State Park. It is amazing how many people where at the beach today. There were not enough docks for all of the boats wanting to go to Don Pedro. People were bringing bags and carts full of food setting up in the picnic area to spend Christmas Day. We had a great time walking the beach looking for shells, shark teeth and hidden treasures. Today was the first time this year that we saw multiple manta ray swimming close to shore. At 2:30 P.M. Mike and I headed back to the boat as they were leaving there were three boats milling around wanting our spot at the dock at the beach. After the dinghy was stowed and all the gear was put away Mike and I started working on dinner. At 5:00 P.M. Mike, Patty, Bruce and Bev met in the cabana for Christmas dinner of steak, sweet and sour pork, potatoes, onion rings, squash and lefsa (Bev made this on the her boat it is a soft Norwegian flatbread that we put butter and brown sugar on before eating-very good). After dinner we sat and talked for a bit before heading back to our boats. After dinner cleanup up it was time for Christmas phone calls and quiet time on the boat.

Blue heron at low tide.

This was set up at the beach today.

There have been numerous blue crabs on the beach. 

Two osprey one having a snack.

Lefse made by Bev. 

Patty, Mike, Bruce and Bev having Christmas dinner at the cabana at Aquamarina Palm Harbour.

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #174: (Christmas Eve) Merry Christmas from Mike and I!!! From last evening Mike and I finished watching The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. WE started watching The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Up at 6:30 A.M. we headed right over to the laundry room to do one quick load of laundry. Coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats for breakfast while watching the local news. When I went to get the laundry out of the dryer someone had brought lots of clothes to the laundry room so we know what they were doing Christmas Eve morning. Mike and I went for a 3.73 miles walk. I put up the ham in the crockpot while Mike worked on trying to find out why we are getting water in the settee in the boat. We launched the dinghy, packed some snacks and cooler heading to Don Pedro State Park. It was sunny, clear, 70 degrees and 1-2 foot waves. The beach was great for shelling and shark tooth hunting. At 2:30 P.M. we headed back to the boat. After it was time to work on getting all of the fixings ready for dinner: potatoes, bread, corn, etc. At 5:00 P.M. Mike and I sat down for Christmas Eve dinner which was great. Mike and I had some downtime waiting for my family to eat dinner so that we could all FaceTime for gift opening. At 7:00 P.M. it was time to open gifts with my Mom, Dad, sister, brother in law, nephew and niece. After gift opening it was time to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus which is our family tradition. My mom makes a jello (red layer and green layer) infused white cake with whipped topping and sprinkles. At 7:40 it was time for Mike and I to have some Christmas Eve downtime on the "Parrot Bay".

MERRY CHRISTMAS from The Boynton's!

Christmas Eve dinner in the crockpot.

Mike having an awesome Christmas Eve on the beach.

Patty having an awesome Christmas Eve on the beach. 

Mike found this on the beach when he looked it up it is a Mantis Shrimp.

Christmas Eve dinner aboard "Parrot Bay". (Ham, mashed potatoes, corn and bread).

My mom Rosemary opening Christmas gifts.

My dad Don sporting his new Calloway hat opening Christmas gifts.

 

My sister Krista opening a Christmas gift. 

My brother in law Andy opening Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve.

 

Patty and Mike's niece Maria and nephew Anthony opening gifts. 

Jesus' birthday cake. 

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #173: Sunny, clear and 47 degree morning in Florida. Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats (we are working through our holiday treats). Mike and I did a morning walk for a total of 3.96 miles. At 10:15 A.M. it was time to work on boat jobs. The leak that Mike tried to fix a few weeks ago had the caulk crack so we had rain water in the boat.  Mike went back down the very small hole in the settee re-caulking the crack. He also went down into the engine room to inspect for any issues which there were none. At 12:30 P.M. Mike and I headed to the pool. It was sunny, 70 degrees with a cool breeze. It was great weather to sit by the pool and read books. Bev joined us at the pool. Mike finally lost the fingernail that he caught in the anchor rode when we first arrived here at Aquamarina. At 4:15 P.M. we headed back to the boat. After dinner cleanup Mike and I worked on getting out the crockpot in preparation for Christmas Eve dinner which will be ham. Time for blogging/Sunday night phone calls followed by continuation of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Mike getting ready to crawl down in the hole again.

Mike in the hole caulking to hopefully stop the rain water from getting into the boat. 

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #172: From last night Mike and I started to watch "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey". Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats. Cloudy and cool in this A.M. we did a 3.92 mile walk. John from JK Canvas stopped by to take some measurements as we need some canvas repairs. At 12:30 P.M. the dinghy was launched for a trip to Don Pedro State Park. On the way the two of us saw two manatee swimming down the intracoastal waterway.  At the beach the waves were still crashing on the beach from the winds yesterday but it was sunny, 69 degrees and light winds. Mike and I had fun walking up and down the beach. At 3:30 P.M. they headed back to the dinghy to get back to the marina. Mike talked to Mark for a bit as he was headed to work this evening. Beautiful sunset. Time for blogging and college football bowl game at 7:00 P.M.

Beautiful sunset.

The colors were gorgeous over Palm Island tonight. 

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #171: Very windy during the early morning hours. Mike and I were up numerous times checking on the boat and adding lines to try to keep the boat from hitting the pilings. Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats. Winds very strong continuing to make the boat buck and hit the pilings. Mike and I headed to Publix for last minute groceries for Christmas. We made back to the boat with the groceries as it started to rain with increase in the winds. At 10:00 A.M. Mike took the rental car back to Enterprise getting a ride back to the marina. Spotty rain continued into the afternoon when it rained the winds would gust in the 30's making the boat buck. Mike and I put the rest of the canvas up on the flying bridge hoping to help protect the flying bridge canvas and decrease in the noise. At 12:30 P.M. we watched college football bowl game Toledo and Florida International University. Mike made popcorn at 3:30 P.M. in preparation for the Western Michigan versus BYU. As the spotty rain continued the winds continued to increase as it started to rain. At 7:00 P.M. winds seem to be decreasing some but at times there are stronger gusts. Time for blogging and quiet time on "Parrot Bay".

Mitch pumping out "Parrot Bay's" black water tank.

 

One of the spotty rain showers gave us a beautiful rainbow this afternoon.

It's college bowl season so that means lots of popcorn is being made on the "Parrot Bay".

Aquamarina Palm Harbour Marina in Cape Haze, Florida

Day #170: Heavy rain overnight. Up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and sweet treats. Mike and my new Walmart foam mattress pad didn't last a month.  Mike turned over during the night ripping the foam hence we need to find a new foam mattress pad. We experienced a few thunderstorms in the morning but nothing severe. The two of us read books. At 10:00 A.M. Mike called a mattress store asking about a foam mattress he was told to try Bed Bath and Beyond. So Mike called he was told that they did indeed have foam mattress pads of all different thicknesses. Mike and I got in the rental car heading to Port Charlotte to Bed Bath and Beyond (which is right next to the Best Buy where Mike's computer is getting fixed). We were able to find a foam mattress pad and small cutting board. On the way home from the store there was a severe thunderstorm warning issued for Charlotte county.  Mike and I were able to pull into Leverock's parking lot just in time for the rain to start. Just as we got onto "Parrot Bay" the winds started to howl and rain came down very hard. It was high tide so the water was right up to the bottom of the docks and the seawall at the marina was underwater. As the tide started to go down the water receded. At noon West Marine in Venice called to let Mike know that his order had arrived at the store. Rain continued very steady but the water did go down as the tide was turning. The two of us read books waiting for the rain to slow. At 2:00 P.M. the rain slowed so we took off to the West Marine. While in the car heading for Venice there was a Tornado Warning issued for south of Naples (WHEW!). Mike and I picked up the caulk at West Marine heading back to the boat. Just as we were walking to the boat the rain picked up in intensity again but no storms. Waiting for the winds to pick up, the winds are predicated to be sustained in the high 20's and low 30's with gusts in the 40's overnight.  The two of us played one game of cribbage which Mike won (skunk second in a row-UGH!). At 5:45 P.M. Mike and I were able to FaceTime with my parents. At 6:30 P.M. it was time to participate in the condo association December meeting via speaker phone on cell phone. At 8:00 P.M. it was time for college bowl game.

NOAA's forecast for today through Friday night.

High tide and very heavy rain over the seawall. 

Water all the way to the bottom of the docks boats riding very high up out of the water.
 

Mike and I had a package arrive today from Mom/Dad Burdo (my parents), Krista/Andy Hagarty (my sister and brother in-law), Anthony (Mike and my nephew) and Maria (Mike and my niece). 

Even with all of the rain we had a sunset with beautiful colors.